07 Mar How To Not Care What People Think About Your Body

When it comes to answering the question ” How to not care what people think about your body? ” it all comes to what you think of your body image.

Body image is something every one is concerned about especially when we stand in front of the mirror. We analyze every inch of our bodies and compare it to others or the past. This emotional association that we attach to our body image is mostly determined by external factors. External factors like the smoking hot body of a certain actor or actress from the movie you last saw, or a friend that posted images on Facebook of him/her on a beach. It could even be an ad of someone with better eyes, nose, lips or chin than yours!

In order to understand how to not care what people think about your body, you have to first understand these things:

Why are external factors so relevant?

What happens inside your mind when you think of your body?

What role does self-esteem play?

External Factors: Inner peace is when the outside world doesn’t affect you on the inside. That means that you have to have your principles and fundamentals, deeply rooted into your values, so that nothing can sway you. When people are stressed out about their body, it’s because they care about what other’s say or think. They wonder what someone will say if they show skin, or if they die their hair a certain color. They get negatively influenced by media or friends. People without these influences generally live a more fulfilled life.

Thoughts About Your Body: I am a super hairy person. I realized this when I was young, but because I knew I could grow up, transform and not look like an ugly duckling forever, I didn’t really care about what anyone thought. Of course, every time it got hot, I would panic about my sweaty mustache, or every time someone pointed out that I look like a wolf or a monkey, I would feel insecure. But then I got used to it, and I had a mantra ” Grow up and Get it Off” which kept me determined to do whatever it takes to remove it!

Despite spending all my time, effort and money, (not to mention the PAIN) on hair removal, I’ve had to give up on it! Yes, it was useful when I was in college, but now I have reached a point where I DO NOT GIVE A **** about my hair! I come to work totally natural and free! Yes, I see the stares and the glares but no, I don’t feel ashamed of how my body is anymore! I only do things for me now, so if I ever decide to take it off, it’s because I want to, not because someone told me to, or because I see people staring! I am deeply rooted in my confidence when it comes to my skin. I know this is who I am and sure, I want it to change, but it can’t, so I accept it and embrace it! The same thing goes with height!

If you feel you look short, remember what the imp Tyrion Lannister (the the most intellectual, quirky and wisest character ever) said from Game Of Thrones ” “Let me give you some advice, bastard. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.” Whatever brings your body image down, just remember: Wearing who you are like armor gives you confidence! And if someone can’t accept you for who you are, it’s best to stay neutral to their opinions.

Self- Esteem: Like I said, being comfortable in your own skin is a result of higher self-esteem! When your self-esteem is down, you will subsequently look down on your body. A good way to build self- esteem is to change your perception, only because what you think and feel, will be how other’s perceive you. Imagine everything you look at, is a mirror, it reflects the true image of yourself. If you are comfortable, it will show on your face. Similarly, if you are in distress, your energy will be negative.With meditation, you will be able to feel and truly reflect peace and comfort in your face!

Nehita Abraham

Nehita is a mindfulness expert who writes extensively on lifestyle management, wellness and ways to lead a healthier and a happier life. She is a part of Aware’s expert team on meditation. She is also an avid artist who spends most her time dribbling amazing stories through art.

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2 Comments

Brigita

I care for my body because it’s my souls temple and the only place to live right now.
I never care for others I only want to look the way I look for myself.
It is the problem of the social media in the western particularly American fat ass society to brainwash young people for the good body image.
However, there are cultures where sexuality or body image is understood in a different way which would be “creepy” in the western World and wise versa,

So, if I had a child I would say stay healthy and be yourself. Don’t give a shit about what others think about you in any sense. But in the current world seems the best is not to have children, cause they may be damaged easily.

Aware

Hi Brigita,
Thank you for being brave and sharing your thoughts on body image.
While it is sad that we become influenced by popular culture, like you said, it’s important to look within and be yourself.
And that is something we can always teach children 🙂
Another way to look at this is to understand that we have to make a lot of mistakes to become stronger, so certain things cannot be taught but can be learnt through experience and simply living life 🙂

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